QUICK SUMMARY: MEXICAN HISTORY• Mexican culture began (approx) in 20,000 BC when hunter gatherers from Asia

and Africa migrated to the West and settle in an area known as Mesoamerica. Following this, agriculture in Mexico began with the cultivation of corn, beans and vegetables by early civilizations in the southern regions. In the north, tribes continued to exist by gathering desert vegetation.

• During the Pre-Classical Period in Mexico, nomadic tribes settled permanently in the country. Agricultural, social and scientific discoveries were made by cultural groups such as the Olmecs and the Teotihuacans. This was followed by the classical period which sees incredible advances in art and architecture taking place. The Teotihuacan city-state of Teotihuacan became the urban centre of the New World and the economy grew from strength to strength.

• The Post-Classical period was dominated by influential and powerful groups such as the Toltecs, the Mayans, the Mixtecs and the Aztecs. Certain cities and cultural centers such as Tenochtitlan grew in size and strength and trading and building endeavors increased substantially. The period was brought to an end when Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico and set their sights on conquering Mexico's powerful urban centers.

MEXICAN HISTORY (CONT…)• Tenochtitlan was captured first by the Spanish army under Hernan

Cortes, marking the beginning of a period of colonialism in Mexico that was to last three centuries. Mexico was named New Spain and powerful Spanish leaders flocked to the country. Noteworthy developments during this period include the abolishment of slavery, growth of Christianity and establishment of schools, universities and art academies throughout the country.

• In the early 19th century, the War of Independence led by Miguel Hidalgo began. After 11 years of fighting the first Independent Mexican government is founded and Agustin de Iturbide became the first emperor of Mexico. The Federal Republic of Mexico was established briefly under President Guadalupe Victoria.

• A period of military conflict in Mexico saw the country briefly falling under the rule of the French Emperor Napoleon III . The country later regained independence and once again becoming a Republic under the rule of President Porfirio Diaz. Early in the 20th century.

Basic Mexico´s Information• Official Name: United Mexican States• Capital: Mexico City (and the largest city)• Federation of 31 free & sovereign states.• Language: Spanish

– There are 62 indigenous amerindian languages (approx.)

• Government: Federal presidential republic– Actual president: Felipe Calderón– Term: 6 years– Democracy

• Legislature: Congress• Population: (July 2009 estimate census) 111,211,789• Currency: Peso (MXN)

Species & Ecosystems• Mexico is one of the 18 mega-diverse countries of the

world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world's biodiversity

• Mexico ranks first in biodiversity in reptiles with 707 known species, second in mammals with 438 species, fourth in amphibians with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species.

• In Mexico, 170,000 square kilometers are considered "Protected Natural Areas.“

• One example is this slide’s background which is actually in Monterrey, Mexico. It’s name: Ecological Park, Chipinque.

Culinary

• Some of Mexico's native culinary ingredients include: chocolate, tomato, corn, vanilla, avocado, guava, chayote, epazote, jícama, nopal, camote, tejocote, huitlacoche, sapote, mamey sapote, a variety of beans, chilis… just to mention a few.

• Many of these names come from native dialects, such as Nahuatl.

Mexican Economy• The economy of Mexico is the 11th largest in the world• . As an export-oriented economy, more than 90% of Mexican trade

is under free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, including the European Union, Japan, Israel, and much of Central and South America.

• The most influential of FTA’s is NAFTA agreement with USA & Canada.

• Labour force by occupation (2003): agriculture 13%, industry: 29%, services 58%

• Maquiladores (Mexican factories which take in imported raw materials and produce goods for export) have become the landmark of trade in Mexico.

• Tourism is also a big deal for Mexican economy, it has been constantly growing and is an important segment. There are many places to visit & discover…

Religion• Mexico has no official religion, and the Constitution of

1917 and the anti-clerical laws imposed limitations on the church and sometimes codified state intrusion into church matters. The government does not provide any financial contributions to the church, and the church does not participate in public education.

• The last census reported, by self-ascription, that 95% of the population is Christian. Roman Catholics are 89%[ of the total population, 47% percent of whom attend church services weekly.[In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after Brazil

More ReligionThe Virgin of Guadalupe and

other saints play an important role for Mexican culture. There’s a big devotion towards Virgin of Guadaulpe especially, and is definitely our “favorite”, just to put it in so many words.

Her day for us, or Guadalupe’s Holiday is every December 12. There are processions of “matachines” and parties in her name.

Faith plays a big role for most mexicans, even if they are not regular attendees on church.

Matachines• Spanish matachin, or religious dancer) are bands of Mexican

mummers who wander from village to village or from house to house dancing and hosting several Roman Catholic celebrations. They are mostly found in northern Mexico.

• The Indian costumes, the rattles, the arch and the bow are all blessed by a priest, and as he blesses the equipment of that group, it signifies that the priest has agreed to adopt the specific dancing group for that specific church. The dances performed by the matachines, though, have significant symbolism; for example, the dances are prayers and through these prayers and symbolism, they are able to host celebrations, such as rosaries, and or a celebration venerating and or honoring Mary, a saint, or worshiping God (note: neither Mary nor any saint is worshiped in these celebrations; the celebrations usually only honor or venerate these key figures. Only God is worshiped in a celebration like this).

Cuisine• Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful

decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Columbian traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonist.

• Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees.

• The most internationally recognized dishes include chocolate, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, pozole, and mole, among others. Regional dishes include mole poblano, chiles en nogada and chalupas from Puebla; cabrito and machaca from Monterrey, cochinita pibil from Yucatán, Tlayudas from Oaxaca, as well as barbacoa, chilaquiles, milanesas, and many others.

• Desserts are a big deal too, such as sweet bread, milk candies and rice with milk.

Sports

Mexico City hosted the XIX Olympic Games in 1968, making it the first Latin American city to do so (Rio de Janeiro will be the second in 2016).

The country has also hosted the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986.Mexico’s most popular sport is association football (soccer). It is commonly believed that Football was introduced in Mexico by Cornish miners at the end of the 19th century.The national sport of Mexico is Charreada. The charreada itself consists of nine scoring events staged in a particular order for men. Unlike rodeos, most charreadas do not award money to the winners as charreadas are considered an amateur, rather than professional sport. Boxing, american football, golf, basketball, box, ahtletism, extreme sports, surfing, auto racing… sports in general are naturally practiced in Mexico. Sport practice is influenced by the education, interests and location.

Sports (photos)

Holidays• As a culture, we’ve got many different holidays… some have to do with our

religion and some with our history.• Here are a few mentioned:• January 6: Día de Reyes – we celebrate the arrival of the “3 kings” who

worshiped Jesus Christ at birth, by gathering with loved ones and eating sweet bread & hot chocolate

• Holy week: the end of the 40 day Lent Period• September 16: Mexican Independence Day• November 2: Day of the Death – this day we celebrate our loved ones that

have passed by taking flowers or something they really liked to their graves or by putting up an altar in their name. (there are many variations on how this holiday is celebrated, some people don’t even go to the cementary, or they only take flowers or go to mass to pray for them).

• December 15 – 23: “Las posadas” In this period of time we celebrate with family, coworkers, friends Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem with a simulated procession of this. They are mostly a party with a sort of “theme”.

Holidayhotos